Fifty percent tax levied on liquor imported into Arakan Army-held areas

By Admin 07 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 April 2026, Mrauk-U

Merchants reported that the Arakan Army (AA) is collecting a 50 percent tax on officially permitted imports of foreign liquor, beer, and spirits into areas under its control during the Thingyan festival period.

With the exception of regime-produced liquor and beer, the United League of Arakan (ULA) has officially allowed the import of foreign spirits into Arakan State from April 2 to April 10. Furthermore, the public is permitted to consume and sell these products from April 2 until May 30.

A local merchant in Mrauk-U said, “The temporary permission to drink and import foreign liquor is good for those who want to consume it. However, we have to pay up to 50 percent tax on the spirits imported into Arakan State. If we buy K10 million worth of goods, we have to pay half of that as tax to the Arakan Army. The tax rate is quite expensive.”

While the permission to import, distribute, and possess foreign liquor and beer during the Thingyan period is viewed as a positive development, it is noted that the tax rates remain high.

In Arakan State, most locals typically consume traditional rice alcohol, but they will be allowed to drink foreign-made spirits during the Thingyan festival.

A resident in Maungdaw said, “Currently in Arakan State, there is only traditional rice alcohol and no other choices. However, during the Thingyan period, the Arakan Army temporarily allowed the consumption and sale of foreign liquor. This is very good for those who have been wanting to drink it. But these liquors are quite expensive.”

In the Arakan State market, a small can of ABC beer is priced between K25,000 and K30,000. Similarly, other spirits have market prices ranging from K50,000 to around K100,000.

The current import permit is only temporary. Once the designated period ends, instructions state that those wishing to continue must apply to the Alcohol Control Board through their respective districts and may only proceed after receiving a license or official permit.

The announcement stated that failure to comply with the prescribed rules will result in action taken according to existing laws, and violators will be blacklisted and barred from applying for licenses in the future.

The ULA has banned spirits from the mainland Myanmar and foreign countries in Arakan State since December 2024. Following the ban, the sale and consumption of locally produced ginger wine, traditional rice alcohol, and fruit-mixed cocktails have become widespread.